A Soldier’s Story

I was 15 when my journey started when I got on that train to Aldershot, I was a bit scared but excited all at the same time and wondered what the future had to offer.

After my training my military career not only took me to some wonderful places, I met people who I not only owe my life too, but they will always be in my thoughts, and I owe them everything and that created a bond that will never be broken.

At the age of 28 I was injured serving and had to be airlifted out of conflict, which I felt was letting my comrades down. That feeling hasn’t left me and after months and months of rehabilitation unfortunately I was medically discharged which devastated me as I was leaving the only thing I knew from school.

My fighting didn’t end here as I was torn from something I loved which has taken its toll on my mental health. At the time I was in denial and stuck my head in the sand. It took me until I was fifty years old to realize with the help of wonderful friends and people, I met at church that I was suffering and needed help.

I reached out to the charity Help for Heroes, and they have been amazing in helping me overcome my past which will only make my future very positive.

So, on remembrance weekend have a thought for all those veterans and families who are still fighting every day with trauma and injuries. I am so proud that I served, and I owe everything to the armed forces and that bond I will have for life.

https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

By Paul Flounders, a member of our congregation, who served in the Royal Logistics Core and Royal Green Jackets.

Services of Remembrance this weekend in Swindon and The Lydiard Park Field of Remembrance

In the absence of a Bishop of Swindon this year, Simon has been asked by the Bishop of Bristol to lead the townwide services of Remembrance in his capacity as Mayor’s Chaplain.

Please remember our Mayor, Councillor Barbara Parry in your prayers along with all those taking part.

There are two services at The Cenotaph, firstly on Armistice Day Saturday 11th November at 11am and secondly on Remembrance Sunday 12th November.

Please gather from 10.30am for the services.

We also have our 10am Family Holy Communion with Act of Remembrance at Christ Church this Sunday  – led by The Revd.
Norma McKemey with Genny Williams preaching

In addition, please can I encourage you to visit the Field of Remembrance at Lydiard Park any time over the next fortnight. It is an amazing site. There are short services every afternoon at 2pm. This was featured on Points West on Wednesday 1st November.

Please remember our colleagues Clive Deverell and Trevor Day in your prayers as they lead this outreach.

You can find out more about the Fields of Remembrance at:

https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/remember-a-loved-one/fields-of-remembrance

Thank you gratefully, Simon.

#christchurchswindon #remembranceweek2023

As part of Remembrance Week, why not visit our War Memorials in the church and the Commonwealth War Graves in our burial grounds

Christ Church Burial Ground houses the graves of more than 20 servicemen from World War I and II, and other conflicts.

Janet French has taken a lead in managing our War Graves liaising the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to ensure those remembered at Christ Church are properly honoured.

Janet has worked to produce a list of those remembered, along with some local research about them.

You can also find out more and search our memorial database on our website at:

https://www.christchurchswindon.co.uk/blog/history-2/

There is also a folder with this information, on the war memorial inside the church, which can be read whilst visiting.

#christchurchswindon #remembranceweek #wewillrememberthem

Afternoon craft activities and ramble options

You can view photographs and video of Simon’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Service here…

The official photographs of Simon’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations, taken by the Revd Canon Chris Dobson from the Diocese of Bristol Ministry Team, have now been released and can be viewed by clicking on the link below:

View the photographs here

If you missed the service, you can watch it back again on our YouTube channel by clicking the image below:

The Community Centre is turning 10 years old this year.

Why not come along to our fun anniversary quiz night in partnership with the Old Town Residents Association on Friday 1st December 2023.

Doors open at 7pm, games begin at 7.30pm.

There will be some questions specific to Old Town and Christ Church plus some other fun rounds.

Teams of 2-6 people.

Only £6 each.

Food included (half a pizza per person) as part of your ticket price.

Pay bar available.

What are you waiting for? Book tickets now before it’s too late at:

https://ccccswindon.co.uk/page/tickets

Dates/Times
19:00-23:00 Friday 1st December 2023

Venue
Community Centre @ Christ Church
Swindon
SN1 3HB

Tickets
Adult ticket: £6.00 + £0.30 booking fee

If you have a question about this event, please contact:
Chris Smith
07582305760
chris@christchurchswindon.co.uk